Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in humans, independent of secondary risk factors such as thrombogenic disorders. In dogs, SCD is described in a number of heart diseases, but an association between AF and SCD is unreported.Hypothesis: (a) A higher proportion of dogs with AF will experience SCD, and (b) SCD will be associated with complex ventricular arrhythmias.Animals: One-hundred forty-two dogs with AF, and 127 dogs without AF.Methods: Retrospective, multicenter, case-control study. Dogs included in the AF group were compared to a control group of dogs in sinus rhythm, matched for echocardiographic diagnosis. Descriptive statistics were used to identify proportions of each group suffering SCD, compared using chi-squared testing. Risk factors for SCD in dogs with AF were evaluated at the univariable and multivariable level using binary logistic regression. Significance was P < .05.Results: A significantly higher proportion of dogs with AF suffered SCD than dogs in the control group (14.8% vs 5.5%; P = .01). Younger age at diagnosis, larger left atrial size, and a history of syncope all were independent predictors of SCD in dogs with AF (χ 2 , 16.3; P = .04).
Background: Biliary sludge (BS) frequently is identified on ultrasonographic examination and is described as incidental. It is hypothesized that biliary stasis and hypersecretion play a role in both BS and gallbladder mucocele (GBM) formation. Recent studies have documented similarities in composition of BS and GBM, and there are several examples of progression from BS to GBM in the veterinary literature.Objectives: To assess the relationship between the presence of BS and later development of GBM in dogs, over time periods >12 months.Animals: A total of 154 dogs with BS and ultrasonographic follow-up >12 months.Methods: Medical records were retrospectively collected from 9 UK-based referral centers for all available time points. A semiobjective scoring system was used to track volume of BS within the gall bladder (GB) over time.Results: Twenty dogs developed GBM during the study period. Shetland Sheepdogs
Background: Dyspnoea, defined as difficult or laboured breathing, is a common feline presentation in primary care practice. Early clinical signs may be difficult for owners to identify at home and often dyspnoeic patients worsen with travel‐associated stress. As such, many cats first present to vets with severe respiratory distress. Acute cases are a diagnostic challenge due to the fragile and unstable nature of the patient.
Aim of the article: This article describes how to strike a balance between the interventions that are required to stabilise an individual and achieve a diagnosis, while avoiding further deterioration by not doing too much too soon.
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